U.S. patent number 10,516,204 [Application Number 15/902,035] was granted by the patent office on 2019-12-24 for electronic device including support member having antenna radiator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Bumjin Cho, Chi-Hyun Cho, Han-Jib Kim, Yong-Youn Kim, Kyu-Hyuck Kwak, Hyo-Seok Na, Soon Park.
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United States Patent |
10,516,204 |
Cho , et al. |
December 24, 2019 |
Electronic device including support member having antenna
radiator
Abstract
An embodiment disclosed herein relate to an electronic device
including a support member on which an antenna radiator is formed.
The electronic device may include: a housing including a first face
facing in a first direction, a second face facing in a second
direction opposite the first direction, a side face facing in a
third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second
directions and surrounding at least a part of a space between the
first and second faces; a display including a first region disposed
in at least a part of the first face and at least one second region
extending from the first region, the at least one second region
disposed in at least a part of the side face of the housing; a
support member disposed in a partial region of the space along the
side face and configured to support the at least one second region;
a bracket disposed on another partial region of the space and
configured to support the display; and at least one antenna
radiator disposed on the support member.
Inventors: |
Cho; Bumjin (Gyeonggi-do,
KR), Kim; Yong-Youn (Gyeonggi-do, KR),
Park; Soon (Gyeonggi-do, KR), Kwak; Kyu-Hyuck
(Gyeonggi-do, KR), Kim; Han-Jib (Gyeonggi-do,
KR), Na; Hyo-Seok (Gyeonggi-do, KR), Cho;
Chi-Hyun (Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Gyeonggi-do |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
(Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR)
|
Family
ID: |
63168041 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/902,035 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180241115 A1 |
Aug 23, 2018 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 23, 2017 [KR] |
|
|
10-2017-0023960 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K
5/03 (20130101); H05K 5/0017 (20130101); H01Q
1/243 (20130101); H01Q 21/08 (20130101); H01Q
1/38 (20130101); H01Q 21/061 (20130101); H04M
1/0266 (20130101); H05K 5/0217 (20130101); H01Q
1/36 (20130101); H04M 1/0268 (20130101); H01Q
1/2291 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01Q
1/24 (20060101); H05K 5/02 (20060101); H05K
5/00 (20060101); H04M 1/02 (20060101); H01Q
21/08 (20060101); H01Q 21/06 (20060101); H01Q
1/36 (20060101); H01Q 1/38 (20060101); H05K
5/03 (20060101); H01Q 1/22 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Hoang V
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cha & Reiter, LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic device comprising: a housing including a first
face facing in a first direction, a second face facing in a second
direction opposite the first direction, and a side face facing in a
third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second
directions and surrounding at least a part of a space between the
first and second faces; a display including a first region disposed
in at least a part of the first face and at least one second region
extending from the first region, the at least one second region
disposed in at least a part of the side face of the housing; a
support member disposed in a partial region of the space along the
side face and configured to support the at least one second region;
a bracket disposed on another partial region of the space and
configured to support the display; and at least one antenna
radiator disposed on the support member, wherein the support member
comprises: an outer face that faces the at least one second region;
and an inner face that faces the bracket, and wherein the at least
one antenna radiator is mounted on the outer face.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display comprises
a flat display in the first region and at least one curved display
in the at least one second region, the at least one curved display
being disposed in an edge region of the flat display.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the at least one
curved display comprises: first and second curved displays located
at opposite side edges of the flat display, respectively, and the
first and second curved displays are symmetrically disposed about
the flat display.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
transparent member disposed on the display in the first direction,
wherein the outer face comprises a first outer face that faces the
second region, and a second outer face that faces the transparent
member.
5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
antenna radiator is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the
support member.
6. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a printed
circuit board; and at least one electrical connection path
electrically connecting the antenna radiator and the printed
circuit board.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the electric
connection path comprises: at least one first conductive structure
mounted on the support member, the first conductive structure being
electrically connected to the antenna radiator; at least one second
conductive structure mounted on the bracket; a third conductive
structure connecting the first and second conductive structures;
and a fourth conductive structure mounted on the printed circuit
board and connected to the second conductive structure.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the first conductive
structure comprises at least one first connection portion extending
in a fourth direction opposite the third direction, the second
conductive structure comprises at least one second connection
portion mounted in the bracket and extending in the fourth
direction, the third conductive structure comprises at least one
first connection terminal configured to electrically connect the
first connection portion and the second connection portion, and the
fourth conductive structure comprises at least one second
connection terminal electrically connected to the second conductive
structure.
9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the second connection
portion comprises: at least one conductor disposed in the bracket;
and at least one insulator enclosing the at least one
conductor.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
transparent member disposed on the display in the first direction,
wherein the at least one second region has a curvature and extends
to a first rotation angle of at least 90 degrees about a center of
the curvature, the transparent member has a curvature and extends
to a second rotation angle of at least 90 degrees or more about the
center of the curvature, and wherein the second rotation angle is
equal to or larger than the first rotation angle.
11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the antenna radiator
is printed on the support member as an antenna pattern.
12. An electronic device comprising: a display extending from one
face of the electronic device to another face of the electronic
device, wherein a portion of the display in the another face of the
electronic device is curved; a support member disposed on at least
a part of the another face so as to support the portion of the
display in the another face; and a conductive member formed on an
outer face of the support member that faces at least the part of
another face, and configured to receive a radio signal.
13. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: a
contact portion electrically connected to the conductive member and
configured to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board
of the electronic device.
14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising: a
bracket configured to be a substrate where the display and the
printed circuit board are mounted thereon, wherein the bracket
includes a connection member disposed between and electrically
connected to the contact portion and the printed circuit board.
15. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: a
bracket configured to be a substrate where the display is mounted
thereon, wherein the bracket includes a groove portion configured
to receive the support member.
16. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: a
bracket configured to be a substrate where the display is mounted
thereon, wherein the outer face of the support member faces the
display, and the support member comprises an inner face that faces
the bracket, the conductive member being disposed on at least a
part of the outer face.
17. The electronic device of claim 16, further comprising: a
transparent member disposed on a face of the display, wherein the
outer face comprises a first outer face that faces the display, and
a second outer face that faces the transparent member.
18. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the conductive
member is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the support
member.
19. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: a
transparent member disposed on a face of the display, the portion
of the display in the another face has a curvature and extends to a
first rotation angle of at least 90 degrees or more about a center
of the curvature, and the transparent member has a curvature and
extends to a second rotation angle of at least 90 degrees or more
about the center of the curvature, wherein the second rotation
angle is equal to or larger than the first rotation angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0023960, filed
on Feb. 23, 2017, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Various embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an
electronic device having a support member where an antenna radiator
is mounted.
BACKGROUND
The above information is presented as background information only
to assist with the understanding of the present disclosure. No
determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to
whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with
regard to the present disclosure.
In general, a housing of an electronic device may have one or more
antenna devices mounted on the upper end region or the lower end
region thereof. Further, in the electronic device, metal frames on
the peripheral edge of the electronic device may be utilized as
antenna radiators.
For example, the antenna radiators mounted on the housing may be
used as a first Wi-Fi, a second Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless
charging, MST, and/or GPS antennas, etc.
SUMMARY
However, since mounting space within an electronic device is
limited, difficulties may arise when mounting a multitude of
antennas within the electronic device.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device, in which at least one antenna radiator can be mounted on a
support member that supports a curved display.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device in which at least one curved display is disposed in the edge
region of a flat display, and at least one antenna radiator can be
mounted on a support member that is used to fix the curved display
in place.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device that can improve antenna performance.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure,
an electronic device may include: a housing including a first face
facing in a first direction, a second face facing in a second
direction opposite the first direction, a side face facing in a
third direction that is perpendicular to both the first and second
directions and surrounding at least a part of a space between the
first and second faces; a display including a first region disposed
in at least a part of the first face and at least one second region
extending from the first region, the at least one second region
disposed in at least a part of the side face of the housing; a
support member disposed in a partial region of the space along the
side face and configured to support the at least one second region;
a bracket disposed on another partial region of the space and
configured to support the display; and at least one antenna
radiator disposed on the support member.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure,
an electronic device may include: a display extending from one face
of the electronic device to another face of the electronic device,
wherein a portion of the display in the other face of the
electronic device is curved; a support member disposed on at least
a part of the other face so as to support the portion of the
display in the other face; and a conductive member formed on at
least a part of the support member, and configured to receive a
radio signal.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable a plurality of
antenna radiators to be disposed on a support member that support a
curved display, which is advantageous because it allows for the
electronic device to be slimmer and enables mounting a plurality of
antennas for various bands in the electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain
embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating the front side of an
electronic device according to an embodiments of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 1B(a), FIG. 1B(b), FIG. 1B(c), FIG. 1B(d) and
FIG. 1B(e) respectively illustrate a front view, a rear view, a top
view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an internal
configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating an internal stacked
structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a main portion of an
internal stacked structure of an electronic device according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an
antenna radiator is disposed on a support member according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D are exemplary views
schematically illustrating various configuration of antennas
disposed on support members according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating an electrical connection
path via which an antenna radiator according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure is electrically connected to a printed
circuit board;
FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a first conductive
structure mounted on a support member according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure, FIG. 8B is a sectional view illustrating
the first conductive structure mounted on the support member
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8C
is a sectional view illustrating first and third conductive
structures mounted on a support member according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating a second conductive
structure mounted on a support structure according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure in which the second conductive structure
is partially cut away, and FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are perspective
views each illustrating an example of the second conductive
structure mounted on the support structure according to various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating another second conductive
structure mounted on a support member according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating still another second
conductive structure mounted on a support member according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12A is a sectional view illustrating a conductive structure
disposed on a support structure including a printed circuit board
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using, and
FIG. 12B is a plan view illustrating the conductive structure
including the printed circuit board;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating a vertical conductive
structure mounted on a support structure according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a support member and a
support structure according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 15A is a perspective view illustrating the front side of
another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 15B(a), FIG. 15B(b), FIG. 15B(c), FIG. 15B(d)
and FIG. 15B(e) respectively illustrate a front view, a rear view,
a top view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the electronic
device;
FIG. 16A is a perspective view illustrating the front side of still
another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 16B(a), FIG. 16B(b), FIG. 16B(c), FIG. 16B(d)
and FIG. 16B(e) respectively illustrate a front view, a rear view,
a top view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the electronic
device; and
FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the internal configuration
of an electronic device in which a support member is provided with
an antenna radiator according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to accompanying drawings. However, various
embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to specific
embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications,
equivalents, and/or alternatives on the various embodiments
described herein can be variously made. With regard to description
of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference
numerals.
In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "have," "may
have," "include" and "comprise," or "may include" and "may
comprise" used herein indicate existence of corresponding features
(for example, elements such as numeric values, functions,
operations, or components) and do not preclude the presence of
additional features.
In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "A or B," "at
least one of A or/and B," or "one or more of A or/and B," and the
like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or
more of the associated listed items. For example, the term "A or
B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" may
refer to all of the case (1) where at least one A is included, the
case (2) where at least one B is included, or the case (3) where
both of at least one A and at least one B are included.
Terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used herein to
refer to various elements of various embodiments of the present
disclosure, but do not limit the elements. For example, such terms
do not limit the order and/or priority of the elements, but in
stead are used to distinguish one element from another element. For
example, "a first user device" and "a second user device" indicate
different user devices regardless of the order or priority. Without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element
may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second
element may be referred to as a first element.
It will be understood that when an element (for example, a first
element) is referred to as being "(operatively or communicatively)
coupled with/to" or "connected to" an other element (for example, a
second element), it can be directly coupled with/to or connected to
another element or coupled with/to or connected to another element
via an intervening element (for example, a third element). In
contrast, when an element (for example, a first element) is
referred to as being "directly coupled with/to" or "directly
connected to" another element (for example, a second element), it
should be understood that there is no intervening element (for
example, a third element).
Depending on the context, the expression "configured to (or set
to)" used herein may be used interchangeably for other expressions
such as "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to,"
"adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to
(or set to)" must not be interpreted to mean only "specifically
designed to" in hardware. Instead, the expression "a device
configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating
together with another device or other components. For example, a
"processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean
a dedicated processor (for example, an embedded processor) for
performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor
(for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or an application
processor) which may perform corresponding operations by executing
one or more software programs which are stored in a memory
device.
Terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe specified
embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit
the scope of other embodiments. Singular terms may also refer to
the plural unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise defined
herein, all the terms used herein, which include technical or
scientific terms, may have the same meaning that is generally
understood by a person skilled in the art. Further, it should be
understood that when applicable, terms should be given their
contextual meanings in the relevant art. In some cases, even if
terms are terms which are defined in the specification, they may
not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present
disclosure.
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the
present disclosure may include at least one of smartphones, tablet
personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones,
electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook
computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs), portable multimedia players (PM Ps), Motion Picture Experts
Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile
medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices (for example, smart
glasses, head-mounted-devices (HMDs), electronic apparels,
electronic bracelets, electronic necklaces, electronic appcessory,
electronic tattoos, smart mirrors, or smart watches).
According to certain embodiments, the electronic devices may be
smart home appliances. The smart home appliances may include at
least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital video disk
(DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners,
ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top
boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, TV
boxes (for example, Samsung HomeSync.TM., Apple TV.TM., or Google
TV.TM.), game consoles (for example, Xbox.TM. and PlayStation.TM.)
electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic
picture frames, and the like.
According to another embodiment, the electronic devices may include
at least one of medical devices (for example, various portable
medical measurement devices (for example, a blood glucose
monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure
measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the
like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device,
scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation electronic devices,
global positioning system receivers (GPSs), event data recorders
(EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices,
electronic equipment for vessels (for example, navigation systems
and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for
vehicles, industrial or home robots, automatic teller's machines
(ATMs) of financial institutions, points of sales (POSs) of stores,
or Internet of things (for example, light bulbs, various sensors,
electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms,
thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water
tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).
According to a certain embodiment, the electronic devices may
include at least one of a part of furniture or
buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature
receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments
(for example, water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave
meters, and the like). The electronic devices according, to various
embodiments may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned
devices. According to a certain embodiment, an electronic device
may be a flexible electronic device. Also, electronic devices
according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new
electronic devices according to technology development
FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a front face of an
electronic device according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 1B(a) to
1B(e) respectively illustrate a front view, a rear view, a top
view, a bottom view, and a left side view of the electronic device
according to an embodiment. As shown in the figures, an orthogonal
coordinate system is used, in which the X axis direction may refer
to the transverse direction of the electronic device, the Y axis
may refer to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device,
and the Z axis may refer to the thickness direction of the
electronic device.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the electronic device 100 according
to an embodiment may include a housing 110 that forms the exterior
of the electronic device 100 and protects electronic components of
the electronic device 100. The housing 110 according to an
embodiment may include a first face that faces in a first direction
{circle around (1)}, a second face that faces in a second direction
{circle around (2)}, the second direction {circle around (2)} being
opposite to the first direction {circle around (1)}, and may
include at least one side face that faces in a lateral direction,
the lateral direction being perpendicular to the first and second
directions {circle around (1)} and {circle around (2)}. The portion
of the housing 110 on the side face may at least partially enclose
a space between the first and second faces. The lateral direction
may include a third direction {circle around (3)} and/or a fourth
direction {circle around (4)}. The first face of the housing 110
may include a first plate and the second face of the housing 110
may include a second plate.
In the housing 110 according to an embodiment, when the first
direction {circle around (1)} faces upward, the first face may be
the top or front face of the housing, and when the second direction
{circle around (2)} faces downward, the second face may be the rear
face of the housing.
According to an embodiment, the housing 110 may include a plurality
of side faces. For example, the side faces may include a side face
on the upper edge 110a of the housing 110, a side face on the lower
edge 110b of the housing, a side face on the left edge 110c of the
housing, and a side face on the right edge 110d of the housing. The
upper edge 110a, the lower edge 110b, the left edge 110c, and the
right edge 110d may together constitute a rim or a perimeter of the
electronic device 100.
According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a
single display 120. The single display 120 according to an
embodiment may include a flat display 121 and one or more curved
displays 122 and 123 disposed in one or more edges region of the
flat display 120. For example, the display 120 may occupy at least
50% of the surface area of the first face. According to an
embodiment, the display 120 may include a display module and a
transparent member (e.g., a glass cover or a transparent window).
The display module may include a display panel and a touch panel.
The flat display 121 and the curved displays 122 and 123 may be
implemented with a single flexible-type display module.
According to an embodiment, the flat display 121 may be disposed in
at least a part of the first face, and the curved displays 122 for
example may be disposed in at least a part of the side face of the
housing 110.
Although the first and second curved displays 122 and 123 are
illustrated as being disposed at the left and right edges of the
flat display 121 in the present embodiment, the curved displays are
not so limited. For example, the first and second curved displays
122 and 123 may be disposed at various other edge regions of the
flat display 121.
For example, the curved display may be disposed at any one of the
upper edge 110a, the lower edge 110b, the left edge 110c, the right
edge 110d of the housing. FIG. 1A and FIGS. 1B(a) to 1B(e)
illustrate a configuration in which the first and second curved
displays 122 and 123 are disposed at the left and right edges 110c
and 110d of the flat display 121, respectively. Side faces of the
housing 110 may be disposed at the upper and lower edges 110a and
110b where the first and second curved displays 122 and 123 are not
disposed. These side faces may be made of metal and may operate as
an antenna radiator when they are properly insulated from the rest
of the housing by an insulator.
Although not illustrated in the drawings, a speaker for outputting
sounds may be disposed on the upper edge 110a of the flat display
121 according to an embodiment. At the lower edge of the flat
display 121, a microphone for capturing sounds may be disposed.
Electronic components for performing various functions of the
electronic device 100 may be disposed in the housing 110. The
electronic components may include at least one sensor module. Such
a sensor module may include at least one of an illuminance sensor
(e.g., an optical sensor), a proximity sensor (e.g., an optical
sensor), an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. According to
an embodiment, the electronic components may include a front camera
and a rear camera.
According to an embodiment, the display 120 may be a full display
screen so as to occupy the majority of the front face of the
electronic device 100. A main home screen is the first screen that
is displayed on the display 120 when the power of the electronic
device 100 is turned on. When the electronic device 100 has several
pages of different home screens, the main home screen may be the
first home screen among the several pages of home screens. On the
home screen, shortcut icons for executing frequently used
applications, a main menu switching key, time, weather, or the like
may be displayed.
Various electronic components may be disposed at or near the lower
edge 110b of the housing according to an embodiment. For example, a
microphone, a speaker, an interface connector, and an ear jack hole
may be disposed in the outer metal frame of the lower portion of
the housing 110.
According to an embodiment, various electronic components may be
disposed at or near the upper edge 110a. For example, a socket
device configured to receive a card-type external device may be
disposed at or near the upper edge 110a. The socket device may
accommodate a unique ID card (e.g., a SIM card or a UIM card) for
the electronic device or a memory card for expanding a storage
space. An infrared sensor module may be disposed on one side of the
socket device, and an auxiliary microphone device may be disposed
on one side of the infrared sensor module.
At least one first side key button 124 may be disposed in the
second curved display 123 according to an embodiment. The side key
button 124 may perform a power on/off function, a wake-up/sleep
function, and the like of the electronic device.
A rear camera (not illustrated) may be disposed on the rear face
1002 of the electronic device 100 according to an embodiment, and
at least one electronic component may be disposed on one side of
the rear camera. For example, the electronic components may include
at least one of a fingerprint sensor, an illuminance sensor (e.g.,
an optical sensor), a proximity sensor (e.g., an optical sensor),
an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a heart rate sensor, and
a flash device.
According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may
selectively display information by controlling the display module.
For example, the electronic device 100 may display content only on
the flat display 121 by controlling the display module.
Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may control the display
module to display content on the first and/or second curved
displays 122 and 123 together with the flat display 121. As yet
another alternative, the electronic device 100 may control the
display module to display content on the first and/or second curved
displays 122 and 123 but not on the flat display 121.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an internal configuration
of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic
device 200 according to this embodiment may be at least partially
or wholly the same as the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG.
1
Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 200 according to an
embodiment may include a first transparent member 210, a display
221, a support structure 240, a support member 230, a PCB 250, a
battery pack 251, a housing 260, and a second transparent member
270.
According to an embodiment, the battery pack 251 is seated in a
space formed in the housing 260, and may be disposed to avoid the
PCB 250. According to one embodiment, the battery pack 251 and the
PCB 250 may be layered on top of each other.
According to an embodiment, the display 221 may be fixed to one
face of the support structure 240, and the first transparent member
210 may be attached to the display 221 by a first adhesive member
(e.g., optical clear adhesive (OCA) or optical clear resin (OCR))
200. According to an embodiment, the second transparent member 270
may be attached to the housing 260 by a second adhesive member.
Reference numeral 222 may refer to a copper sheet for shielding and
a black sponge for impact mitigation.
The first transparent member 210 according to an embodiment is made
of synthetic resin or glass, and include a flat portion 211 and a
left bent portion 212 and a right bent portion 213, which are bent
in the opposite directions. The shapes of the left and right bent
portions 212 and 213 in three dimensions are illustrated in FIG. 2.
However, in addition to the left and right bent portions, the upper
and lower portions of the first transparent member 210 may also be
bent. According to one embodiment, a touch panel may be further
disposed on the rear face of the first transparent member 210, so
that the touch panel may receive touch input signals generated by
the user.
According to an embodiment, the display 221 may be formed in a
shape corresponding to the first transparent member 210, i.e. the
shape of the display 221 has a curvature corresponding to that of
the first transparent member 210. According to one embodiment,
since the display 221 has been described above in detail with
reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, detailed description will be omitted
here.
According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member 220 is a
member for bonding the transparent member 210 to the display 221,
and may be a piece of adhesive tape such as a piece of double-sided
tape, or a liquid adhesive layer. For example, when the
double-sided tape is used as the first adhesive member 220, a
general polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) material or a functional
substrate may be used as an inner substrate. Thus, it is possible
to strengthen the impact resistance using a piece of foam tape or a
base material made of an impact-resistant fabric, so that the front
window can be prevented from being damaged by an external
impact.
According to an embodiment, the support structure 240 may be
disposed within the electronic device 200, and may be used to
strengthen the overall rigidity of the electronic device. For
example, the inner support structure 240 may be made from aluminum
(Al), magnesium (Mg), and stainless steel (STS). According to one
embodiment, for the inner support structure 240, a high-rigidity
synthetic resin containing glass fiber may be used, or a metal and
a synthetic resin may be used together. According to one
embodiment, when a metal member and a non-metal member are used
together as the material of the inner support structure 240, the
inner support structure 240 may be formed by
insert-injection-molding the non-metal member on the metal member.
The inner support structure 240 may be placed on the rear face of
the display 221 and may have a shape (curvature) similar to that of
the rear face of the display 221, so that the inner support
structure 240 can support the display 221. According to one
embodiment, between the inner support structure 240 and the display
221, sheets such as an elastic member (e.g., sponge or rubber) and
an adhesive layer (e.g., double-sided tape or single-sided tape)
may be additionally disposed in order to protect the display
221.
According to an embodiment, the support structure 240 may be
fastened to the housing (e.g., the rear case) 260 and may create a
space therein, in which at least one electronic component may be
disposed. The electronic components may include a printed circuit
board (PCB) 250. Without being limited thereto, however, the
electronic components may include an antenna device, a sound
device, a power supply device, a sensor device, and the like, in
addition to the PCB 250.
A battery pack 251 according to an embodiment may supply power to
the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the battery
pack 251 may be integrally disposed in the electronic device 200.
Without being limited thereto, however, the battery pack 251 may be
implemented to be detachable when the rear housing 260 is
implemented to be also detachable from the electronic device
200.
According to an embodiment, the housing 260 may form the exterior
(e.g., the side face including a metal bezel) of the electronic
device 200, and may be coupled to the support structure 240 so as
to form the inner space accommodating the electronic components.
According to one embodiment, since the housing has been described
above in detail with reference to FIG. 1A and FIGS. 1B(a) to 1B(e),
a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.
According to an embodiment, a second transparent member 270 may be
in a shape similar to that of the first transparent member 210. The
first transparent member 210 may be referred to as the front
window, and the second transparent member 270 may be referred to as
the rear window.
According to an embodiment, the support member 230 may be fixed to
the support structure 240 and may support the first and second
curved displays located in the left and right edges of the display
220. The support member 230 may be in an elongated shape and may be
made of a strong material such as metal. The support member 230 may
be disposed in at least one edge region of the support structure
240.
Referring to FIG. 3, according to an embodiment, the electronic
device 300 may be partly or entirely the same as the electronic
device 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, or the electronic device
200 illustrated in FIG. 2. According to an embodiment, the
electronic device 300 may include a housing 310, a first
transparent member 320, a display 330, a support member 340, a
support structure 350, a PCB 360, a battery pack 370, and a second
transparent member 380.
According to an embodiment, the housing 310 may include one or more
support members (e.g., first and second members 340 and 341) that
support first and second curved displays 332 and 333. The housing
310 may also include a support structure 350 (e.g., a bracket or
support bracket). For example, each of the first and second support
members 340 and 341 may be respectively disposed along the side
surfaces of the support structure 350 and may have elongated
shapes. The first and second side surfaces of the support structure
350 may be side surfaces that are opposite to each other, and the
first and second support members 340 and 341 may be disposed to be
opposite to each other.
According to an embodiment, each of the first and second support
members 340 and 341 may be coupled to the support structure 350 so
as to respectively support and maintain the fixed state of the
first and second curved displays 332 and 333. As will be described
later, one or more antenna radiators may be mounted on the first
support member 340, and one or more other antenna radiators may be
mounted on the second support member 341. In addition, the first
support member 340 may be disposed along and proximate to the first
face of the housing 310, and the second support member 341 may be
disposed along and proximate to the second face of the housing
310.
According to an embodiment, the first curved display 332 may have a
displaying portion, which has a first curvature and extends to a
first rotation angle .theta.1 of 90 degrees or more (see FIG. 4)
about the center C1 of the first curvature. According to an
embodiment, the second curved display 333 may have a displaying
portion, which has a second curvature and extends to a second
rotation angle (equal to the first rotation angle) of about 90
degrees or more about the center C2 of the second curvature. The
first and second curvatures may be equal to, or different from,
each other.
According to an embodiment, the display 330 may include a first
transparent member 320 in the first direction of the housing 310.
The first transparent member 320 may be superimposed on the display
330 and be in close contact with the display 330. For example, the
first transparent member 320 may include a transparent synthetic
resin material or a glass material. The first transparent member
320 may include a flat transparent member portion 321 and first and
second curved transparent member portions 322 and 323 conforming to
the display 330. According to an embodiment, the first curved
transparent member 322 may extend to a third rotation angle
.theta.2 of 90 degrees or more (see FIG. 4) about the center C1 of
the first curvature, and the second curved transparent member 323
may extend to a fourth rotation angle (equal to the third rotation
angle) of 90 degrees or more about the center of the second
curvature. The first curved transparent member 322 may extend to
the rotation angle .theta.1 which is substantially the same as that
of the first curved display 332 or to the rotation angle .theta.2,
which is larger than the first curved display 332. The second
curved transparent member 323 may extend to the rotation angle
.theta.1 which is substantially the same as that of the second
curved display 333 or to the rotation angle .theta.2, which is
larger than the second curved display 333.
According to an embodiment, the PCB 360 is disposed within the
support structure 350, and may be disposed in parallel with the
battery pack 370. A first face of the PCB 360 may face the first
direction (e.g. upwards in FIG. 3) and a face of the support
structure 350. A second face of the PCB 360 may face the second
direction (e.g. downwards in FIG. 3) and the housing. The housing
310 may include a back cover or a rear case. A second transparent
member 380 may be provided in the second direction of the second
face of the housing 310. The second transparent member 380 may be
made of a transparent synthetic resin material or a glass
material.
Referring to FIG. 4, according to an embodiment, the electronic
device 400 may be an electronic device partly or entirely the same
as the electronic device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. According to an
embodiment, the support member 440 may be at least partially or
entirely the same as the support members 340 and 341 illustrated in
FIG. 3.
According to an embodiment, the support member 440 may include an
outer face 440a and an inner face 440b. The outer face 440a may be
a face which faces the curved display 431 of the display 430 and
the inner face 440b may be a face which faces the support structure
450. As will be described below, a conductive member capable of
receiving radio signals, for example, an antenna radiator
(illustrated in FIG. 5), may be mounted on the outer face 440a.
According to an embodiment, the outer face 440a may include a first
outer face 441 and a second outer face 442. The second outer face
442 may be separated from the first face 441 by a step portion. The
first outer face 441 may extend outwardly from the second outer
face 442. The first outer face 441 may have a first curvature, and
the second face 442 may have a second curvature. The first and
second curvatures may be equal to, or different from, each other.
An antenna radiator may be mounted on only the first outer face
441, an antenna radiator may be mounted on only the second outer
face 442, or first and second antenna radiators may be mounted on
both the first and second outer surfaces 441 and 442, respectively.
The first outer face 441 may directly face the transparent member
420, and the second face 442 may directly face the curved display
431.
According to an embodiment, the support member 440 may function to
prevent the curved display 431 from being damaged during the
assembly process and may support the display 430 along with the
support structure 450.
Referring to FIG. 5, according to an embodiment, the electronic
device 500 may be an electronic device partly or entirely the same
as the electronic device 400 illustrated in FIG. 4. According to an
embodiment, at least one antenna radiator 545 may be mounted on a
support member 550. The antenna radiator 545 may be configured in a
specific pattern shape on the outer face 541 of the support member
550. Although not illustrated in the figure, the antenna radiator
545 mounted on the outer face 541 of the support member may operate
as an antenna device and include a feed path and a ground path.
The antenna radiator 545 may be applied to the support member 540
using an In-Molding Antenna (IMA), Laser Direct Structuring (LDS),
or a SUS plate. When using IMA, the antenna pattern may be formed
integrally with the housing by employing injection molding. When
using LDS, the antenna pattern may be a pattern formed on a
synthetic resin using a laser. Plating of a metal such as silver or
copper is then used to form the antenna pattern. In the case of
using the SUS plate, the antenna pattern may be formed on a metal
plate and may be bonded onto the housing.
Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, support members according to various
embodiments may be at least partially or entirely the same as the
support member illustrated in FIG. 5. Antenna arrangements mounted
on the outer face of the support member according to various
embodiments will be described.
Referring to FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment, a plurality of
antenna radiators a1 to a3 may be mounted on the outer face 641 of
the support member 640 along the longitudinal direction {circle
around (3)} of the support member 640 (e.g. along the side face of
the housing) and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other
by a specific distance.
According to an embodiment, each of the antenna radiators a1-a3 may
selectively operate depending on the required band of a switching
device (not illustrated). Each of the antenna radiators a1 to a3
may be provided with electrical connections so that they are fed
and grounded on a printed circuit board (not illustrated).
Referring to FIG. 6B, according to an embodiment, a plurality of
antenna radiators a1 to a6 may be mounted in such a manner that a
plurality of antenna radiators a1 to a3 and a plurality of antenna
radiators a4 to a3 may be mounted in the longitudinal direction of
the support member 642. The antenna radiators a1 to a6 may be
arranged such that antenna radiators a1 and a4, antenna radiators
a2 and a5, and antenna radiators a3 and a6 are aligned in a
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
support member 642. The antenna radiators a1 to a6 may be further
arranged to be spaced from each other by a specific distance.
According to an embodiment, each of the antenna radiators a1 to a6
may selectively operate depending on the required band of a
switching device (not illustrated). Each of the antenna radiators
a1 to a6 may be provided with electrical connections so that they
are fed and grounded on a printed circuit board (not
illustrated).
Referring to FIG. 6C, according to an embodiment, the plurality of
antenna radiators a1 to a6 may be mounted in such a manner that a
plurality of antenna radiators a1 to a3 and a plurality of antenna
radiators a4 to a6 are respectively mounted on the first and second
outer faces 645 and 646 in the longitudinal direction of the
support member 644.
According to an embodiment, each of the antenna radiators a1 to a6
may selectively operate depending on the required band of a
switching device (not illustrated). Each of the antenna radiators
a1 to a6 may be provided with electrical connections so that they
are fed and grounded on a printed circuit board (not
illustrated).
Referring to FIG. 6D, according to an embodiment, a plurality of
antenna radiators a1-1 to a6-1 and a1-2 to a6-2 may be mounted in
such a manner that a plurality of antenna radiators a1-1 to a6-1
and a plurality of antenna radiators a1-2 to a6-2 are respectively
mounted on the first and second outer faces 648 and 649 of the
support member 647 in a 3.times.2 pattern.
According to an embodiment, each of the antenna radiators a1-1 to
a6-1 and a1-2 to a6-2 may selectively operate depending on the
required band of a switching device (not illustrated). Each of the
antenna radiators a1-1 to a6-1 and a1-2 to a6-2 may be provided
with electrical connections so that they are fed and grounded on a
printed circuit board (not illustrated).
Hereinafter, an electrical connection path for electrically
connecting an antenna radiator to a printed circuit board will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to FIG. 7, the electrical connection path of an antenna
radiator 745 may include first to fourth conductive structures 741,
742, 753, and 761.
According to an embodiment, the first conductive structure 741 may
be electrically connected to the antenna radiator 745 and may be
mounted on the support member 740. For example, the first
conductive structure 741 may be formed in the support member 740
using insert injection molding. The first conductive structure 741
may extend in a horizontal direction, i.e. a transverse direction
of the electronic device. One end of the first conductive structure
741 may be connected to the antenna radiator 745, and the other end
may be electrically connected to one end of the third conductive
structure 742.
According to an embodiment, the second conductive structure 753 may
be mounted on support structure 750 and may be made of a metal. The
second conductive structure 753 may be formed in the support
structure 750 using insert injection molding. For example, one end
of the second support structure 753 may be electrically connected
to one end of the third support structure 742, and the other end of
the second support structure 753 may be electrically connected to
one end of the fourth conductive structure 761. The second
conductive structure 753 may be configured with at least one
conductor 751 made of a conductive material and an insulator 752
made of an insulating material. The conductor 751 may be configured
to be surrounded by the insulator 752. The second conductive
structure 753 may extend in the horizontal direction. For example,
the conductor 751 may extend in the horizontal direction, and the
insulator 752 may be mounted on the support structure 750 as a
hollow tube extending in the horizontal direction and encapsulating
the conductor 751.
According to an embodiment, the third conductive structure 742 may
be disposed between the first conductive structure 741 and the
second conductive structure 751 so as to electrically connect the
first and second conductive structures 741 and 751 to each other.
The third conductive structure 742 may be a connection terminal,
one end of which may be electrically connected to the first
conductive structure 741, and the other end of which may be
electrically connected to the second conductive structure 751. For
example, the third conductive structure 742 may be a C-clip
terminal having elasticity.
According to an embodiment, the fourth conductive structure 761 may
be mounted on the printed circuit board 760 and be electrically
connected to the second conductive structure 753. One end of the
fourth conductive structure 761 may be electrically connected to
one end of the second conductive structure 753, and the other end
of the fourth conductive structure 761 may be fixed on the printed
circuit board 760. For example, the fourth conductive structure 761
may be a connection terminal, specifically a C clip terminal having
elasticity.
Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, according to an embodiment, a first
conductive structure 841 may be mounted on a support member 840, in
which the outer face 840a of the support member 840 may be disposed
such that the antenna radiator 845 is exposed thereon and the inner
face 840b of the support member may be disposed such that the first
conductive structure 841 is exposed thereon. For example, the first
conductive structure 841 may be a pad on the inner face 840b of the
support member. The first conductive structure 841 may include a
portion extending from the antenna radiator 845 to the inner face
840b and a portion positioned to be exposed on the inner face 840b.
For example, the portion of the first conductive structure to be
exposed on the inner face 840b may be slightly recessed or slightly
protrude from the inner face 840b.
Referring to FIG. 8C, according to an embodiment, the third
conductive structure 852 may be a connection terminal.
Specifically, the third conductive structure 852 may be an
elastically deformable connection terminal including one end 852a
and the other end 852b. In the third conductive structure 852, one
end 862a is fixed and connected to the first conductive structure
851 and the other end 852b is an elastically deformable free end.
When assembled, the third conductive structure 852 may provide an
elastic force that help maintain the electrical connection from the
first conductive structure to the second conductive structure.
Referring to FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment, the second
conductive structure 953 may be formed in the support structure 950
using insert injection molding. When the support structure 950 is
configured as a bracket made of a metal, the second conductive
structure 953 may be configured with a conductor 951 and an
insulator 952. In the second conductive structure 953, one end may
be electrically connected to the third conductive structure formed
on the support member 940 and the other end may be electrically
connected to the fourth conductive structure. In the second
conductive structure 953, the insulator 952 may be configured to
enclose the conductor 951. One end of the second conductive
structure 953 may be exposed on the outer face of the support
structure 950 as a contact pad and the other end may be exposed on
the inner face of the support structure 950 as another contact
pad.
Referring to FIG. 9B, according to an embodiment, the second
conductive structure 965 may include first and second conductors
961 and 962, and first and second insulators 963 and 964 configured
to enclose the first and second conductors 961 and 962,
respectively. The first conductor 961 may be disposed to be spaced
apart from the second conductor 962 by a certain distance and the
first insulator 963 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the
second insulator 964 by a certain distance. Each of the first and
second conductors 961 and 962 may be exposed on the outer face of
the support structure 960 as contact pads.
Referring to FIG. 9C, the second conductive structure 975 according
to an embodiment may include first and second conductors 971 and
972 and an insulator 973 configured to enclose the first and second
conductors 971 and 972. For example, one insulator 973 may be
configured to enclose both the first and second conductors 971 and
972, which are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.
Alternatively, the one insulator 973 may be configured to enclose
more than two conductors. Each of the first and second conductors
971 and 972 may be exposed on the outer face of the support
structure 970 as contact pads.
Referring to FIG. 10, when according to an embodiment, the second
conductive structure 1053 may be made of a non-metallic material
(e.g., a synthetic resin material) rather than a metallic material,
and a conductor 1051 may be formed in a support structure 1050
using insert injection molding. For example, the conductor 1051 may
be made of a metallic material extending in the horizontal
direction.
Referring to FIG. 11, according to an embodiment, for a second
conductive structure 1153, a fastening structure configured to
couple a support member 1140 and a support structure 1150 to each
other may be utilized. The fastening structure may be made of a
metallic material, so that the fastening structure can perform dual
functions of fastening and providing an electrical connection path.
The second conductive structure 1153 may couple the support
structure 1140 and the support structure 1150 using a metallic
fastener 1151 (e.g., a screw). The fastener 1151 may couple the
support structure 1140 and the support structure 1150 using first
and second washers w1 and w2. The fastener 1151, which is made of a
metallic material, can function as an electrical connection path.
The first washer w1 may be disposed between the support member 1140
and the support structure 1150 and the second washer w2 may be
disposed between the support structure 1150 and the head 1151a of
the fastener 1151.
Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a conductive structure for
electrically connecting an antenna radiator according to an
embodiment to a printed circuit board 1260 may include a first
conductive structure and a second conductive structure. Since the
first conductive structure is the same as the conductive structure
illustrated in FIG. 8B, that is, the first conductive structure
provided in the support member, its description therefore will be
omitted here.
The second conductive structure 1263 according to an embodiment may
include at least one opening 1251 formed in a support structure
1250 and a protrusion 1261 in which at least a part of the printed
circuit board 1260 extends. The protrusion 1261 is inserted into
the opening 1251 so that a first conductive structure (not
illustrated) connected to an antenna radiator can be electrically
connected to the printed circuit board 1260. For example, the
protrusion 1261 may be provided with a connection terminal (e.g.,
the connection terminal illustrated in FIG. 7) so as to be
electrically connected to the first conductive structure provided
in the support member 1240. Alternatively, the protrusion 1261 may
be modified into a structure that is connected to the support
member 1240 by being inserted thereinto after penetrating the
opening 1251. The protrusion 1261 may be approximately horizontally
inserted into the opening 1251 so as to be electrically connected
to the first conductive structure provided on the support member
1240.
Referring to FIG. 13, an electrical connection path for
electrically connecting the antenna radiator of an electronic
device according to an embodiment to a printed circuit board may
include an electrical connection structure provided in a direction
perpendicular to the printed circuit board 1360.
A support member 1340 with an antenna radiator according to an
embodiment may include an extension 1342 to be connected with the
support structure 1350, and the support structure 1350 may include
a portion 1350a provided at the upper end thereof. For example, the
extension 1342 may extend from the support member 1340 toward the
display.
Since the display and printed circuit board 1360 are assembled in
the vertical direction, the electrical connection structure between
the support structure 1350 and the printed circuit board 1360 may
be implemented as an electrical connection path in the vertical
direction.
A first conductive structure provided in the support member 1340
according to an embodiment may extend to the extension 1342 and the
second conductive structure provided in the support structure 1350
may be provided in the upper portion 1350a of the support
structure. For example, the extension 1342 of the support member
and the portion 1350a of the support structure are stacked in the
vertical direction when the electronic device is assembled. Such a
stacked state can provide an electrical connection path in a
substantially vertical direction.
To this end, the upper portion 1350a of the metallic support
structure may include a conductor 1351 and an insulator 1352
enclosing the conductor 1351. The conductor 1351 may be
electrically connected to the first conductive structure provided
in the support member 1340 and the printed circuit board 1360 using
a connection terminal (not illustrated).
Referring to FIG. 14, according to an embodiment, the electronic
device 1400 may be an electronic device partly or entirely the same
as the electronic device 500 illustrated in FIG. 5. According to an
embodiment, in order to connect at least one antenna radiator
mounted on a support member 1440 to a print circuit board, the
support member 1440 may be directly connected to the support
structure 1450.
According to an embodiment, the support member 1440 may have a
protruding connection structure 1442. The connection structure 1442
may be integrally formed on the support member 1440, and may
protrude in the horizontal direction (i.e. the transverse direction
of the electronic device). The connection structure 1442 may be
adapted to provide an electrical connection to another
component.
According to an embodiment, the support structure 1450 may have a
connection groove 1452 such that the connection structure 1442 is
inserted into the connection groove 1452. The connection groove
1452 may be provided with at least one connection portion, such
that when the support member 1440 is coupled to the support
structure 1450, the connection structure 1442 is inserted into the
connection groove 1452 to form an electrical path. The antenna
radiator formed on the support member 1440 may then be electrically
connected to the printed circuit board. The first conductive
structure provided in the support member 1440 may be configured at
least partially or entirely the same as the first conductive
structure illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8C. The second conductive
structure provided in the support structure 1450 may be at least
partially or entirely the same as the second conductive structure
illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C.
Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, since an electronic device 1500
according to the shown embodiment differs from the electronic
device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B only in the
configurations of the upper edge and the lower edge of the housing,
descriptions of similar components will be omitted.
In addition, the antenna radiator illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 14 and
the electrical connection path of the antenna radiator can also be
equally applied to the electronic device 1500.
The electronic device 1500 according to an embodiment may differ
from other disclosed embodiments in that the electronic device 1500
may include third and fourth curved displays 1522 and 1523, which
are configured in the upper edge 1510a and the lower edge 1510b of
the housing 1510, respectively.
According to an embodiment, the housing 1510 may include a
plurality of side faces. For example, the side faces may include a
side face on the upper edge 1510a of the housing 1510, a side face
on the lower edge 1510b of the housing, a side face on the left
edge 1510c of the housing, and a side face on the right edge 1510d
of the housing.
The electronic device 1500 according to an embodiment may include a
display 1520. According to an embodiment, the display 1520 may
include a flat display 1521 and first to fourth curved displays
1522 to 1525 disposed on the respective edges 1510a to 1510d of the
flat display 1521. The first to fourth curved displays 1522 to 1525
may be disposed in the peripheral portions of the flat display
1521, i.e. the respective edges.
According to an embodiment, the first to fourth curved displays
1522 to 1525 may have first to fourth curvatures, respectively. The
first to fourth curvatures may be equal to or different from each
other.
The electronic device 150 according to an embodiment may be
configured such that at least one antenna radiator can be mounted
on a support member (see FIGS. 3 and 4) disposed on each of the
upper, lower, left and right edges 1510a to 1510d. Doing so may be
advantageous because the electronic device can be made slimmer.
Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, an electronic device 1600 according
to the shown embodiment differs from the electronic device 100
illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B only in the arrangement position of
the curved displays in the housing, descriptions of similar
components will be omitted.
In addition, the antenna radiator illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 14 and
the electrical connection path of the antenna radiator can also be
equally applied to the electronic device 1600.
The electronic device 1600 according to an embodiment may differ
from other embodiments in that the electronic device 1600 may
include first and second curved displays 1622 and 1623, which are
configured in the upper edge 1610a and the bottom edge 1610b of the
housing 1610, respectively, and the left edge 1610c and the right
edge 1610d may be part of the housing 1610 and not include curved
displays. That is, the first and second curved displays 1622 and
1623 may be disposed in the upper and lower edges of the display
1620, respectively.
The electronic device 1600 according to an embodiment may be
configured such that at least one antenna radiator can be mounted
on a support member (see FIGS. 3 and 4) disposed on each of the
upper and lower edges 1610a and 1610b. Doing so may be advantageous
because the electronic device can be made slimmer.
Referring to FIG. 17, an electronic device 1700 according to an
embodiment may include support members 1750 and 1751, on which
antenna radiators are formed and which may be applied to a flat
display 1720.
The electronic device 1700 according to an embodiment may include a
housing 1710, a flat display 1720 that is disposed to be exposed on
the first face of the housing 1710, a support structure 1730,
support members 1750 and 1751, antenna radiators (see FIG. 5), a
printed circuit board 1740, and conductive structures 1760 and
1761.
According to an embodiment, the support structure 1730 may support
the flat display 1720 on one face in the first direction {circle
around (1)} and a printed circuit board 1740 on a second face in
the second direction {circle around (2)}.
According to an embodiment, the support members 1750 and 1751 may
be mounted in respective mounting grooves formed in the support
structure 1730. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6A to 6D, each
of the support members 1750 and 1751 may have at least one antenna
radiator, which may be formed on either or both of the upper face
in the first direction {circle around (1)} and the lower face in
the second direction {circle around (2)}. Since the configuration
in which the antenna radiators are mounted on the support members
1750 and 1751 has already been described (see FIG. 5), their
detailed description is omitted.
According to an embodiment, each of the support members 1750 and
1751 may have an elongated shape and two opposite faces, and may be
disposed under the display 1720 to be parallel to each other and to
overlap the display 1720. According to an embodiment, one or more
support members 1750 and 1751 may be disposed along at least one
side face of the housing 1710. For example, the side face of the
housing 1710 may be a side face located in the upper edge of the
housing 1710, a side face located in the lower edge of the housing,
a side face located in the left edge of the housing, and/or a side
face located in the right edge of the housing.
In an embodiment, each of the support members 1750 and 1751 may be
provided with a first conductive structure. The first conductive
structure may be formed in any of the structures illustrated in
FIGS. 8A to 8C. Each of the support members 1750 and 1751 and the
printed circuit board 1740 may be electrically connected to each
other by a second conductive structure.
According to an embodiment, the second conductive structure may
provide a connection structure in the vertical direction. For
example, the first and second conductors 1760 and 1761 may disposed
in the support structure 1730 using insert injection molding such
that each of the antenna radiators, which are provided on the
respective support members 1750 and 1751, is electrically connected
to the printed circuit board 1740.
The conductive structure of such an electronic device may be
configured such that a conductive structure of an antenna radiator,
which is an electrical connection path, can be disposed in the
vertical direction when the display 1720 and the printed circuit
board 1740 are assembled to the support structure 1730 in the
vertical direction.
Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are suggested for
easy explanation and understanding of the technical features
disclosed herein and are not intended to limit the scope of various
embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of
various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted
as including all modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives
that are within the scope of the appended claims
* * * * *